The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
he says this is more than just a line
this is more than just free time
these doldrums squat in rows two by two
and in his his pocket he holds a catholic and a key
keeps both feet on the ground
he says this is not quite time to think
this water's not so bad to drink
then chokes a laugh and walks away
and in his pocket he holds a catholic and a key
with both feet on the ground
this is more than just free time
these doldrums squat in rows two by two
and in his his pocket he holds a catholic and a key
keeps both feet on the ground
he says this is not quite time to think
this water's not so bad to drink
then chokes a laugh and walks away
and in his pocket he holds a catholic and a key
with both feet on the ground
Lyrics submitted by walknessmonster
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
There is certainly a power struggle going on here. The main guy, presumably Whitney, has a Catholic and a key in his pocket. Having a person in your pocket means you have control over them, while having something in your pocket usually means you are almost certainly going to win or obtain it. And, here, a key could represent knowledge or power. The singling out of the person in his pocket as a “Catholic” could be because the person is perhaps a religious leader who is being paid off or manipulated into doing something. Thus, it could be a song about religious corruption.
I would completely agree. The religious corruption can be seen also in the lines<br /> <br /> "'This is not quite time to think. This water's not so bad to drink.' Then chokes a laugh and walks away."<br /> <br /> It is like the church controlling it's followers and making them think what the church wants them to think. Or also, and this could be a stretch, but the water could be symbolizing the Bible, and once the person drinks it, or reads and believes it, then the church has them in their grasp.<br /> <br /> Regardless, such a great song. The bass kills!